Animation has been around for a long time, from its roots in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to modern-day sensations such as The Wild Robot. Either way, this medium proved to be for all ages with its striking visuals, gorgeous animation, and profound storytelling. Animation isn’t for everyone, but if fans give it a chance, they are likely to find something they enjoy — and it may just be on this list.
While there are great movies from every decade dating back to the 1930s, this century has seen progress like no other, which is why this list will rank the best animated movies from the past 25 years, from 2001 to 2026, based on animation, art, writing, story, voice acting, popularity, critical acclaim, originality, influence, overall quality, and how well it defines the current century.
10
‘Paprika‘ (2006)
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Animation as a whole is popular, but anime, in particular, has blown up in the 2020s. Most of the best movies, however, are from the early 2000s (or earlier), such as Paprika. Satoshi Kon was a visionary and iconic anime director, and while Paprika might not be his magnum opus, it is one of his best films. When a device that can enter people’s minds is stolen, it is up to the rightful owner to get it back before it is too late.
Paprika isn’t a giant cultural phenomenonbut its influence can be felt in many other anime films and throughout Hollywood as well. Besides inspiring some of the most popular movies of the 2010s, it can stand by itself as a visual masterpiece that pops with color. Paprika is more than just pretty; the mind-bending story is brilliant and creative, creating a must-watch film that is among the best anime has to offer.
9
‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)
For better or worse, live-action remakes are all the rage nowadays, and while they are never better than the original, it at least gives the OG some recognition. How to Train Your Dragon was one of the best films of the 2010s, following Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a Viking who must slay a dragon, as per tradition. However, he doesn’t have the spine to do so, and instead befriends them in hopes of changing Viking culture.
Spanning an entire trilogy, each film is equally fantastic, creating a set of magnificent animated movies. How to Train Your Dragon was an instant success and wildly popular, remaining a defining movie for a generation of fans. The acting was incredible, the story was motivational, and the premise was fun, blending to create a staple animated movie that won’t soon be forgotten.
8
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
The animation medium and superhero genre go perfectly together, which is why it is shocking that there aren’t more blockbuster films that combine them. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse tells the same classic origin again, but with a twist. When his world’s Peter Parker (Jake Johnson) dies, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) needs to learn how to be a superhero while trying to get the other Spider-People back to their world.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has excellent characters that build a foundation for the film, helping fans get attached to the story and message. This movie instantly made characters such as Miles and Gwen Stacy’s Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld) icons. However, the real highlight of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is the art and animation, creating an authentic comic book movie with mesmerizing style and vibrant colors.
7
‘Frozen’ (2013)
The past 25 years have had thousands of animated films, but only a handful became sensations, and Frozen was one of them, arguably being the most popular family movie of the 2010s. When the kingdom is entrapped in an endless winter, Anna (Kristen Bell) embarks on a journey to find her sister, Elsa (Idina Menzel), an ice sorceress who is causing all this chaos.
There was a time when no one could escape Frozenand chances are that you still know all the words to “Let It Go.” Not many other films reached this level of cultural significance and overwhelming popularity, proving it is a one-of-a-kind movie. Frozen is an essential Disney princess film and a modern masterpiece that shapes this generation.
6
‘Inside Out’ (2015)
Pixar may have started in the 1990s, but its reign went well into the 2000s, delivering some of the greatest animated films of all time. While this list can’t feature all of them, it does feature two, with the first being Inside Out. Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) has moved to a new city, and with that comes a lot of mixed emotions. Inside her is a swell of feelings that causes her to lose core memories, prompting her inner emotions to take action and save her.
Inside Out recently received a sequel, and while it was excellent, it also became one of the highest-grossing animated movies, proving the franchise is popular and relevant. The first movie is widely regarded as the better of the two, displaying profound emotional intelligence and insight that is relatable to everyone. Inside Out is a beautiful film that, while relevant, also defines the past 25 years with a modern focus on mental health.
5
‘Coraline’ (2009)
Some animated movies are iconic and unforgettable for good reasons, with fond memories. However, there are always animated films that traumatize a generation of viewers, and for many, it was Coraline. When the titular protagonist discovers an alternate world in her house, she initially rejoices, but she soon discovers the dark secrets it contains and must quickly escape.
Halloween movies used to hit differently in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly the iconic horror movies for kids. The eerie vibe, unsettling animation, and spooky aesthetic enticed many fans with its style, but the movie is also known for its dark worldbuilding, mystery, lore, and flawless story. Coraline is a landmark movie of the past 25 years and a haunting must-watch.
4
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
There aren’t many anime films on this list, but the second is arguably the greatest of all time: Spirited Awaymade by the legendary Studio Ghibli. Chiyo (Rumi Hiiragi) and her family move into a new house, and they discover an abandoned theme park behind it. However, when her parents fall under a curse, Chiyo must travel to a hot spring to find a way to break the spell.
A lot of defining anime films came out before the 2000s, but the past 25 years are still home to some classics, and Spirited Away is arguably the hardest hitter. The art and hand-drawn animation are absolutely gorgeous to look at and still hold up as some of the best. Its story isn’t anything too groundbreaking, but its overall cultural influence has lasted over two decades and will continue to live on as a flawless movie.
3
‘WALL-E’ (2008)
This list mentioned there would be two Pixar films featured, and the second is WALL-Efeaturing the adorable robot on a quest to save the planet and its future. The titular robot searches the Earth for anything that can start its revival, and when he discovers a plant, the future may be saved. However, he must battle against an AI that doesn’t want humanity to move on.
This list could be entirely made up of Pixar films, and it would still be accurate, considering the studio has so many defining movies, but WALL-E might be the most significant. The story is wonderful, touching, motivational, and timeless, which is partly why its relevance has lasted so long. The characters are endearing, and the themes are engaging, making for an overall phenomenal film.
2
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ (2025)
This list features movies from the past 25 years, but there aren’t too many super recent films, with only one from the 2020s, KPop Demon Hunters. This trio of K-pop superstars has a hidden life when they aren’t performing, taking up their weapons as demon hunters. However, a new threat arises, and it comes in the most unlikely of forms: a rival boy band.
It may be very recent, but this modern masterpiece instantly became a worldwide sensation whose popularity is sure to last for decades. The story is enjoyable, and the characters are fun, but this movie became a hit because of the music. The songs are a phenomenon all around the world, and the animation is incredible, working together to create an excellent film that took over.
1
‘Shrek’ (2001)
After KPop Demon Huntersthis list goes into the opposite spectrum with a film that came out exactly 25 years ago. Shrek is about the titular ogre who just wants a peaceful life by himself, but when Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) kicks out fantasy creatures from their homes, they all move into Shrek’s (Mike Myers) swamp. Determined to get them out of his swamp, Shrek plans to deliver the princess to Lord Farquaad and rescind the order.
Shrek is definitely a product of its time, featuring countless 2000s references that haven’t aged perfectly, but that’s precisely what makes it so defining of that decade. It is distinctly 2000s — a key part of the past 25 years. However, Shrek is a sensation because of how it subverted the standard fantasy trope, mocking Disney’s tired formula. From memes to sequels to other pop culture references, Shrek is a cultural icon that is still relevant today.
Shrek
- Release Date
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May 18, 2001
- Runtime
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90 minutes
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Shrek / Blind Mouse (voice)
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Eddie Murphy
Donkey (voice)